What is Sustainability?

What is sustainability?

Sustainability generally refers to the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations. The concept of sustainability encompasses considerations of health, the environment, economics, as well as society and well-being.

Environmental sustainability refers to the ability to preserve or protect the natural environment, including the ability to reduce or avoid pollution and waste, preserving natural resources, and promoting strategies that address climate change.

At the same time, it is important to support social sustainability, including ensuring social equity, justice, and fairness, while also promoting health and education and supporting social and cultural diversity.

What are some actions I can take to be more environmentally sustainable at home, school, or at work?

There are many actions you can take to be more environmentally sustainable at home as well as in our schools and workplaces.

For example, you can:

• Reduce energy consumption, by turning off lights, choosing energy-efficient appliances, and reduce heating/cooling use
• Reduce water consumption, by fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and use water-efficient appliances and toilets
• Reduce waste, by avoiding single-use plastics, using your own shopping bags, sell or donate old clothes/toys/books/furniture, buy fresh fruits/vegetables that are not pre-packaged, and recycling recyclable items (e.g. glass, metal, some plastics, office paper).
• Choose more plant-based food products, such as plant-based protein sources like beans, lentils, tofu, and vegetarian burgers rather than animal meat-based products. This reduces environmental impacts including water, energy, and land-use.
• Choose public transportation or biking/walking, to get to school or work instead of driving, when possible.
• Choose to educate yourself and others, on ways in which to reduce your environmental footprint at home, school, or in the workplace.